Summer lite

For those of you who missed the BSO’s Michael Jackson tribute concert:

This somewhat ties into a question I have for all you professional musicians out there. How do you feel about playing these kinds of pop concerts? My brother’s viola teacher was talking about how during one such concert he essentially played one chord the entire time – not exactly challenging, and some might consider this sort of music “beneath” them. The same can even be said for audience members, as some BSO Facebook followers expressed dismay regarding the poppy, fun nature of the summer season. I myself could be rightfully accussed of being a music snob, but personally I think there’s nothing wrong with something a little lighter now and again. Any thoughts on your end?

Advertisements

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About Jenn

Despite being the former digital marketing intern at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Jenn German does not like Mozart. Beethoven could've totally beaten him up. Also she has an arts management graduate degree from American University, but this changes nothing.

Discussion

One thought on “Summer lite”

Hi Jenn,

Good question! Yes, a thought.

From April 15-May 30 I played one of the keyboard parts in The Fantasticks in W. MA. It was great! There is good music in the show, which likely made a big difference. And the cast and crew genuinely liked each other. That’s important to my comfort level when there are 36 shows involved.

One of the drummers, who plays in a band and does shows on the side, disliked playing in 4/4 time so much.

Also, I include “lighter” fare on classical solo concerts, such as Gershwin or a blues piece by Samuel Barber. Audiences like it, and it works very well to play something just before that they may not like. I “sell” it by letting them know they’ll like the end. 🙂 No complaints so far, and a large percentage of audience members end up liking the unusual music. They’re able to listen, I think, knowing they can relax later.